Do you consider yourself brave, or do you lean a little more toward scaredy-cat? Most of us flip back and forth depending on the storms we face.

Hundreds of sermons on Matthew 14 tell us to "get out of the boat, be brave, and don't be like Peter." But is that really the beating heart of God's Word? Christian courage isn't about conjuring up unflinching, bulletproof bravery on your own. It’s about facing genuinely scary, exhausting situations and hearing the voice of Jesus speak into the storm: "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid."

When your strength runs out and doubts creep in, your courage doesn’t come from looking inward—it comes from the scarred hands of the Savior who reaches down immediately to catch you.

Whether you’ve lived in the Upstate your whole life or are brand new to the area, it is okay to be new, because we are new too. No matter what storm you are currently rowing through, you are always welcome to gather around God's unchanging word with us.

Abiding Peace — Easley 10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible StudyBuilding Community in Easley, SC

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22–33

Speaker: Pastor Michael Quandt

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When life throws unexpected pain, sickness, or setbacks your way, it is easy to ask: "If I'm a child of God, why is my life so hard?" In a world that promises instant comfort—and through popular teachings that claim faith guarantees earthly prosperity—Jesus offers a very different truth. He doesn't promise to build heaven on earth right now, but He does promise that He opened the doors of heaven for you forever.

In this message, Pastor Rodewald digs into Romans 8, Jeremiah 15, and Matthew 16 to address our daily groaning and impatience. While worldly blessings, health, and wealth fade, the cross of Christ remains as the ultimate proof of His love and your eternal hope. If you are carrying a heavy burden or struggling to find patience in a broken world, come discover the lasting joy and strength that comes from picking up your cross and following Jesus.

At Abiding Peace, we love supporting families as they navigate life’s challenges together. We invite you to explore our school ministry, Abiding Peace Academy (K2–8th), where we partner with parents to ground the next generation in the hope of the Gospel.

New to the Upstate area? Whether you join us at our Five Forks campus or our storefront mission in Easley, it is completely okay to be new here, because we are new too! Join the journey with us this Sunday as we grow together.

Scripture: Romans 8:22–25, Jeremiah 15, Matthew 16

Speaker: Pastor Rodewald

Abiding Peace — Five Forks 8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship | 9:30 AM Education Hour Five Forks, SC

Abiding Peace — Easley 10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible Study

Building Community in Easley, SC

#FiveForksSC #SimpsonvilleSC #EasleySC #DoodleStation #GreenvilleChurches #AbidingPeace #WELS #Sermon

People have all kinds of opinions about who Jesus is—a good teacher, asocial activist, or a historical figure. But when life throws unexpectedtrials, broken plans, or severe pressure, a general idea about Jesus isn'tenough to hold us up.

In this sermon on Matthew 16:13–20, Vicar SilasSteinbrenner unpacks Jesus’ direct question to his disciples: "Who do you say I am?" While it iseasy to try to negotiate with God or view Him through the lens of ourcircumstances, the Scriptures give us a solid place to stand. Jesus isn't justa helper for our temporary problems; He is the Messiah, the Son of the livingGod. He is the God of boundless grace who took on human flesh to carry oursins, forgive us repeatedly, and secure our eternal peace.

ScriptureReading: Matthew 16:13–20

Speaker:Vicar Silas Steinbrenner

Whether you are long-time resident or brand new to theUpstate area, we would love to welcome you into our church family! Watch orlisten to the full message right here on our channel, and join us in person togrow deeper in God's Word.

Learn more and stay connected with us: https://www.youtube.com/@abidingpeacelutheran8232

Abiding Peace — Five Forks 8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship| 9:30 AM Education Hour Five Forks, SC

Abiding Peace — Easley 10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM BibleStudy Building Community in Easley, SC

Join us this Sunday!

#FiveForksSC #SimpsonvilleSC #EasleySC#GreenvilleChurches #AbidingPeace #WELS #Sermon

Why is the world so full of pain, conflict, and confusion? When we look around at the state of society, it's natural to ask, "Where is God in all this mess?" In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable about wheat and weeds growing together in the same field. Our human instinct is often to take matters into our own hands—to judge, root out, and tear down what seems evil. But Jesus calls us to a different path. God’s patience in a broken world isn't neglect; it's mercy. Only He has the power to transform life, bring true peace, and change hearts.Whether you’ve lived in the Upstate for years or are searching for a fresh start, you don't have to navigate life's big questions alone. If you're new to the area, it is completely okay to be new here, because we are new too! Come as you are, rest in God's grace, and discover unchanging truth in a changing world.Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Speaker: Pastor Michael QuandtAbiding Peace- Easley

10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible Study

Building Community in Easley, SCJoin the Journey this Sunday!

Imagine waking up to the Almighty offering you a blank check: "Ask whatever you want me to give to you." Where does your heart go first? When young King Solomon faced this exact moment in 1 Kings 3, he didn't ask for endless wealth or fame. Rooted in God’s hesed—His unfailing covenant faithfulness, loyal love, and mercy—Solomon asked for a listening heart to serve others.Whether you are navigating major life decisions, feeling out of your depth, or looking for unchanging truth in a changing world, God points us to the ultimate source of wisdom: Jesus Christ. When we seek Him first, we find the true treasure that anchors our lives in every season.Whether you’ve lived in the Upstate for years or are looking for a reliable church family to call home, we invite you to gather with us around God’s word of peace.Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 3Speaker: Pastor Michael QuandtAbiding Peace — Easley

10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible Study

Building Community in Easley, SC

Have you ever found yourself standing in life completely empty-handed? Facing unanswered questions, overwhelming stress, or broken situations you simply cannot fix?

In this message on Matthew 14:13–21, Pastor Michael Quandt reminds us that our needs, uncertainties, and empty hands never push Jesus away—they spike His compassion. Like Elijah fed by the brook or the thousands fed on the hillside, faith lives by bringing our empty hands directly to the bountiful hand of God. Jesus doesn't ask us to fix our brokenness before coming to Him; He simply says, "Bring them here to me." Through His sacrifice on the cross, He emptied Himself so that our lives and souls could be filled with His unchanging grace and eternal peace.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:13–21

Speaker: Pastor Michael Quandt

Whether you are long-time resident or brand new to the Upstate area, we would love to welcome you into our church family!

Abiding Peace — Easley10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible Study

No matter what your faith journey or church background looks like—whether you grew up in the pews, experienced church hurt, or are taking your very first steps toward God—there is a place for you. In a world that constantly divides people by background, appearance, or status, the Gospel offers a completely different reality. Jesus broke down the wall of separation on the cross so that we who were once far away could be brought near. The church isn't a museum for perfect people; it's a family built on Christ, where every person is welcomed into the peace and forgiveness He won for us. Come as you are and discover the grace that unites us all.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11–22 (with references to Matthew 15)

Speaker: Pastor Rodewald

If you are new to the Upstate area, we know how overwhelming a big move can be, and we want to welcome you to a community where you can find rest and a reliable church family. At Abiding Peace, we are dedicated to helping families grow together in faith, extending that mission from our Sunday mornings into the week through the Christian education at Abiding Peace Academy (K2–8th grade). Whether you are looking for a fresh start or a deeply rooted spiritual home, there is a place for you here. Join the journey with us this Sunday!

Abiding Peace — Five Forks8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship | 9:30 AM Education HourFive Forks, SC

Abiding Peace — Easley10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible StudyBuilding Community in Easley, SCIt's okay to be new, because we are new too!

#FiveForksSC #SimpsonvilleSC #EasleySC #DoodleStation #GreenvilleChurches #AbidingPeace #WELS #Sermon

We often look at the big tasks in front of us—or the challenges in our daily lives—and ask, "Who am I to do this?" Moses felt completely unqualified when God called him to lead His people out of slavery. But God’s answer didn't depend on Moses' abilities; it rested entirely on His promise: "I will be with you." In Christ, God has already rescued us from the ultimate slavery of sin and death. Now, He invites each of us to be His helpers, sharing that freedom with our neighbors right where we are planted. Whether you feel inadequate, nervous, or simply unsure of what comes next, find certainty in the God who calls you and promises never to leave your side.

Scripture: Exodus 3:1–12Speaker: Pastor Rodewald

If you are new to the Upstate area, we know how overwhelming a big move can be, and we want to welcome you to a community where you can find rest and a reliable church family. At Abiding Peace, we are dedicated to helping families grow together in faith, extending that mission from our Sunday mornings into the week through the Christian education at Abiding Peace Academy (K2–8th grade). Whether you are looking for a fresh start or a deeply rooted spiritual home, there is a place for you here. Join the journey with us this Sunday!

Abiding Peace — Five Forks8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship | 9:30 AM Education HourFive Forks, SC

Abiding Peace — Easley10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible StudyBuilding Community in Easley, SCIt's okay to be new, because we are new too!

#FiveForksSC #SimpsonvilleSC #EasleySC #DoodleStation #GreenvilleChurches #AbidingPeace #WELS #Sermon

If you sat down today to write a final letter to the people you love most, what would you say? Writing from the dark, cold depths of a Roman prison during intense persecution, the Apostle Paul wrote his final letter to young Timothy with urgent clarity. He didn't offer worldly advice; he pointed Timothy straight to the scriptures—God’s breathed-out Word.

In this farewell message, Vicar Ungemach encourages us to stand "ten toes down" on the truth of the Bible. In a world full of noise, popular opinions, and godless myths that tickle itching ears, God’s Word alone thoroughly equips us for every vocation and reveals the ultimate truth: our salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus didn't come to be a mere life coach to help us fix ourselves; He came to rescue us from sin and death through His cross and resurrection. Discover the peace, purpose, and lasting certainty that comes from clinging to the unchanging truth of Scripture.

As we strive to pass this eternal truth on to the next generation, we invite you to learn more about our school ministry, Abiding Peace Academy (K2–8th), where we partner with parents to build a strong, Christ-centered foundation for children.

Whether you are looking for an anchored community at our Five Forks campus or an intimate gathering at our Easley storefront mission, it is completely okay to be new here, because we are new too! Join the journey with us this Sunday as we grow together in God's grace.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3

Speaker: Vicar Ungemach

Abiding Peace — Five Forks 8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship | 9:30 AM Education Hour Five Forks, SC

Abiding Peace — Easley 10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible Study

Building Community in Easley, SC

#FiveForksSC #SimpsonvilleSC #EasleySC #DoodleStation #GreenvilleChurches #AbidingPeace #WELS #Sermon

Before the 2026 World Cup began, the internet was flooded with doom-and-gloom forecasts. People expected the worst, yet they arrived to find a grand, joyous feast of community, culture, and kindness. In this message, Pastor Quandt points us to a far greater feast—one prepared not by us for God, but by the Lord Almighty for all peoples.

Through the words of Isaiah 25, we see a beautiful reality rooted in the certainty of the Bible: our Savior God is the ultimate "Death Eater." He has completely flipped the script on our sin, disgrace, and the grave, swallowing up death forever through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you are tired of the negative forecasts of this changing world, come find a lasting peace that fills your life today and anchors your eternity.

At Abiding Peace, we love seeing generations gather around this good news. If you are raising children or grandchildren in the Upstate, we invite you to learn more about Abiding Peace Academy (K2-8th), where we partner with families to anchor the next generation in God’s unchanging truth.

New to the Upstate area? Whether you check out our established family at Five Forks or visit our storefront mission in Easley, it is completely okay to be new here, because we are new too! Join the journey with us this Sunday as we grow together.

Scripture: Isaiah 25

Speaker: Pastor Quandt

Abiding Peace — Five Forks 8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship | 9:30 AM Education Hour Five Forks, SCAbiding Peace — Easley 10:00 AM Worship | 9:00 AM Bible StudyBuilding Community in Easley, SC

#FiveForksSC #SimpsonvilleSC #EasleySC #DoodleStation #GreenvilleChurches #AbidingPeace #WELS #Sermon